KR100500611B1 - Barbecue grill assembly with shelf component - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a barbecue grill assembly 10 comprising an upper frame assembly 12 and a lower frame assembly 14. The lower frame assembly 14 comprises a shelf 50 and a plurality of lower frame members 26, 28 which define an interior space 40. At least one frame member 28 has an aperture 80. The shelf 50 has at least one pin 70 cooperatively dimensioned with the aperture 80. The pin 70 is received by the aperture 80 to connect the shelf 50 to the lower frame members 26, 28 and form the lower frame assembly 14. The shelf 50 has a perimeter that is cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space 40 such that the shelf 50 is positioned within the interior space 40. The shelf 50 provides structural integrity to the lower assembly 14 such that the lower assembly 14 can support the upper assembly 12 and the cooking chamber 16. <IMAGE>

Description

BARBECUE GRILL ASSEMBLY WITH SHELF COMPONENT}

The present invention relates to a barbecue grill assembly with shelves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shelf for a barbecue grill assembly that provides support to a portion of the assembly.

With the increasing popularity of gas barbecue grills, producers are using various types of shelves or trays used in the frames that support the barbecue grills. Generally, the tray is connected to the lower part of the frame. Existing large trays are made of sheet metal or plastic and have a thin wall structure. Typically, the tray is connected to the lower tip with fasteners such as nuts and bolts. The tray may have a structure for supporting other elements having a fuel tank.

An interest with this type of tray is that it is difficult to properly connect the tray under the frame. A second concern is to provide sufficient structural integrity of the tray and frame. A related concern is the loss of structure due to the complexity of the fasteners used to connect the tray to the bottom of the frame.

An example of a gas barbecue grill consisting of a tray design capable of accommodating the above-mentioned interest is described in US Pat. No. 5,579,755 to Johnston. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the patent, the barbecue grill is to be supported by a composite frame installed at the bottom. The tray is connected to a vertical support located at the lower tip of the frame. A combination of threaded fasteners and nuts is used to connect the tray to the vertical support. Prior to connecting the tray to the vertical support, the bottom of the frame is free of the cross member support.

Due to the use of threaded fasteners that are susceptible to loose conditions for excessive periods of time and the thin wall structure of the trays, the frame naturally experiences a lack of structural integrity.

Seal US Pat. No. 5,072,718 describes another example of a barbecue grill design made of the above concerns. Referring to FIG. 2 of the patent, the barbecue grill is supported by a frame including a plurality of bent tubular members and a tray. The tray is connected to a vertical support disposed at the leading end of the frame. A combination of threaded fasteners and nuts is used to connect the tray to the vertical support. Similar to Johnston's' 755 patent, prior to connecting the tray to the vertical support, there is no cross member support at the bottom of the frame.

Accordingly, there is a need to form shelves for use in barbecue grill assemblies that continue to provide improved structural integrity to the frame supporting the barbecue grill. There is also a need for shelves that can be simply and reliably connected to the frame without using fasteners.

The present invention solves the above and other problems.

The present invention relates to a barbecue grill assembly comprising an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly, the upper assembly containing a cooking compartment. The lower assembly includes a shelf and a plurality of lower frame members. The lower frame member forms an indoor space. The shelf is a rigid structure with a perimeter that is dimensioned to cooperate with the interior space so that it can be placed within the interior space. Alternatively, the barbecue grill assembly has a single frame assembly having a plurality of frame members forming an interior space.

At least one lower frame member has a hole. The shelf has at least one pin located at its edge. The pin is dimensionally cooperative with the aperture to be removably received by the aperture. When the shelf and the frame member are connected in this manner, the lower assembly has a rigid and stable structure, increasing the rigidity of the barbecue grill assembly structure.

Since the pin is removably received by the hole, the shelf can be quickly and easily disengaged from the lower frame member. As a result, the packaging and storage options of the grill assembly are improved.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the shelf has at least one fixing member and at least one supporting member. The fixing member is adapted to move between a first position where the fixing member engages with the interior of the lower frame member and a second position where the fixing member engages with the bottom of the lower frame member. In the second position, the support member engages with at least the top of the lower frame member.

The first position is a temporary position, while the second position is a stable position. In the second position, the shelf is connected to the lower frame member to secure the lower assembly. As a result, the structural rigidity of both the subassembly and the barbecue grill is increased.

In another preferred embodiment, the shelf has at least one fixing member, one supporting member, and one finger. In the first position, the finger is in sliding engagement with the interior of the lower frame member. In the second part, the finger engages with the inside to prevent movement of the shelf relative to the lower frame member.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Although the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, the following description will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as a preferred embodiment of the present invention to be understood as being determined as an example of implementing the basic principles of the present invention. Is not limited to the described embodiments.

1 illustrates a barbecue grill assembly 10. The barbecue grill assembly 10 includes an upper frame assembly 12 and a lower frame assembly 14. The upper frame assembly 12 is of sufficient construction to accommodate and / or support a cooking chamber or firebox. The upper frame assembly 12 is formed from a plurality of upper frame members. The barbecue grill assembly 10 also includes a control panel 18, a control 20, a temperature gauge 21, a wheel 22, and a caster 24.

Optionally, the grill assembly 10 has a single frame assembly. This fact means that the grill assembly 10 does not have separate upper and lower assemblies 12, 14. In such a structure, a single frame assembly is employed to receive and / or support the cooking compartment 16. The single frame assembly is formed of a combination of frame members having vertical, horizontal, and / or transverse members.

The barbecue grill assembly 10 made in accordance with the present invention has a shelf 50 positioned in the interior space 40 of the frame or support structure. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings used herein, the support structure is made of a plurality of frame members having a vertical member 26 and a shape of a transverse member 28 such as a horizontal strut. The frame member forms part of the lower assembly 14 and part of the upper assembly 12. Optionally, the composite frame member is connected to form a sub-assembly that is connected together in the frame assembly. In another embodiment, the interior space 40 is formed of a plurality of space walls of the barbecue grill support cabinet.

The main function of the shelf 50 is to secure the lower frame assembly 14 to the grille assembly 10 with separate upper and lower assemblies and to secure the frame assembly to the grille assembly 10 with a single assembly. In general, the shelf 50 secures the member to the frame assembly in a rectangular configuration. With the grille assembly 10 having separate upper and lower assemblies 12, 14 spaced apart, the cooking compartment 16 is connected and secured to the upper assembly 12 and the shelf 50 is the lower assembly 14. The connection with is fixed. With a grille assembly 10 having separate left and right assemblies spaced apart at a distance, the cooking compartment 16 is secured in connection with a portion of the left and right assemblies and the shelf 50 is secured in connection with the rest of the left and right assemblies. .

The lower frame assembly 14 has a lower vertical member 26 and a lower traverse member 28 and is formed in part from at least one frame member. The lower assembly 14 has a shelf 50 disposed in the interior space 40 of the frame structure formed by the assemblies 12, 14. Preferably, the members 26 and 28 form two H-shaped sub-assemblies 30 spaced apart at a distance to form an indoor space 40 for receiving the shelf 50. Shelf 50 is cooperatively dimensioned with interior space 40 and is generally disposed within interior space 40 to connect members 26 and 28 and secure lower frame assembly 14.

Alternatively, the lower cross member 28 is omitted and a lower horizontal member (not shown) is included in the lower frame assembly 14. In this structure, the member 28 and the horizontal member form the indoor space 40 and the shelf 50 is connected with the vertical member 26 and the horizontal member.

Preferably, the members 13, 26, 28 have a tubular structure. And the single side and two or three side members are within the scope of the present invention. Composite side members have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, rectangular, L-shaped, U-shaped, or circular.

Generally, the shelf 50 is a rigid structure that forms the lower assembly 14 and is disposed in the interior space 40 so that the members 26 and 28 connect. In FIG. 2, the shelf 50 provides an integral structure with the lower assembly 14 such that the lower assembly 14 can support the upper assembly 12 and the cooking compartment 16. In addition to providing structural support to the lower assembly 14, a shelf 50 is employed to provide a storage for accessories used to connect with the grille assembly 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shelf 50 has a pair of opposing first edges 52 and a pair of opposing second edges 54. Edges 52 and 54 form a perimeter P of shelf 50. Although shown as having a general rectangular structure, the shelf 50 has a variety of structures having a rectangular, oval or other curved shape.

Preferably, the shelf 50 has a wire rack formed of a plurality of welding rods. The shelf 50 includes a plurality of transverse rods 62 and a plurality of end rods 60. Although the transverse rod 62 is shown positioned below the end rod 60, the orientation of the rods 60, 62 may be varied depending on the design parameters of the shelf 50. The raised or angled portion 64 is disposed adjacent to the second edge 54. Optionally, the rise 64 is disposed adjacent to the first edge 52. Since the shelf 50 is formed of a plurality of welding rods, the shelf 50 is more powerful and rigid than conventional shelves having a thin wall structure. Although shown as having a plurality of holes or openings resulting from the intersection of the rods 62 and 64, the shelf 50 may have a solid structure without holes or openings.

The shelf 50 has at least one pin 70 at each first end 52. 3 and 4, the pin 70 extends from one of the end rods 60. Optionally, the pin 70 extends from one of the cross rods 62. Although five split pins 70 are shown, the exact number of pins 70 is changed to the design parameters of the shelf 50.

As shown in Fig. 3, the pin 70 has a first portion 70a, a second portion 70b, and a third portion 70c. The first portion 70a is generally a vertical segment of the pin 70. The second portion 70b is generally the horizontal segment of the pin 70. The third portion 70c is generally the vertical segment of the pin 70. The pin 70 is removably received by a hole 80 disposed in the cross member 28. Pin 70 and hole 80 are in a corresponding correlation. Thus, the pin 70 and the hole 80 are of cooperative dimensions in which a portion of the pin 70 is received by the hole 80. In addition, the pin 70 and the hole 80 are cooperatively arranged such that the receiving of the pin 70 is desired by the hole 80. The hole 80 has an inner diameter that is adopted for friction engagement with the pin 70. Optionally, the aperture 80 is deformable for frictional engagement with the pin 70. In a preferred embodiment, the third portion 70c is removably received by the hole 80. When the third portion 70c is received by the hole 80, the second portion 70b engages with the top wall 84 of the cross member 28 and the first portion 70a is the cross member 28. To the inner wall 82. Optionally, a bushing (not shown) is disposed in the hole 80, where the barrel is adapted to receive a portion of the pin 70. The metal barrel is formed of metal or plastic.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the number of pins 70 is varied between the opposing first edges 52 in pairs of shelves 50. Similarly, the number of holes 80 is varied between opposite sides of the lower assembly 14. The change in the number of the corresponding holes 80 and the pins 70 between the first side 52 is the proper assembly of the lower assembly 14 because the shelf 50 is connected to the lower frame member 32 in only one way. To ensure.

When the shelf 50 is disposed in the interior space 40 such that the pin 70 is received by the hole 80, the shelf 50 is connected to the lower frame member 28. As a result, the structural integrity of both the lower assembly 14 and the grill assembly 10 is improved. In another manner described, the shelf 50 provides structural integrity to the grill assembly 10 and the lower assembly 14 when the pin 70 is received by the aperture 80.

Depending on the structure of the upper assembly 12, the shelf 50 is used to connect to the upper frame member 13 of the upper assembly 12. In this manner, shelf 50 provides structural integrity to grill assembly 10 and upper assembly 12 when pin 70 is received by a hole located in upper frame member 13.

Since the pin 70 is removably received by the hole 80, the shelf 50 can be quickly and easily disengaged from the cross member 28. This fact is important in terms of packaging and storage of the grill assembly 10 because it significantly degrades the dimensions and structure of the lower assembly 14. In contrast to existing designs, no tools are required to disengage the shelf 50 from the cross member 28 and to disassemble the lower assembly 14. When the pin 70 is disengaged from the traverse member 28, the structure and dimensions of the hole 80 remain unchanged.

Shelf 50 has means (not shown) for locking pin 70 in hole 80. By locking the pin 70 in the hole 80, the locking means further enhances the structural integrity of the lower assembly 14. The locking means may comprise a detent and a cooperating groove, a flange on the pin 70, or a latch.

Shelf 50 and its associated elements, including pins, are formed of plastic, steel, aluminum, or other metals including metal alloys. 1-4 show an open grille assembly 10 which means that the upper and lower assemblies 12, 14 are not enclosed. Panels and doors are added to the grill assembly 10 to form an enclosed cabinet (not shown) disposed below the cooking chamber 16. In compliance with the above description, the shelf 50 is used in the cabinet to form either the top wall or the bottom wall of the cabinet. In this structure, the shelf 50 connects the panel and the door and provides structural integrity to the cabinet.

In another preferred embodiment, the grill assembly 10 has a single frame assembly which means that the grill assembly 10 does not have separate upper and lower assemblies 12, 14. As a result, there is no connection between the upper and lower assemblies 12, 14, and the grill assembly 10 has a continuous appearance. In such a structure, a single frame assembly is employed to receive and / or support the cooking compartment 16. The single frame assembly is formed of a combination of frame members having vertical, horizontal, and / or transverse members. The frame member forms an interior space 40, and the shelf 50 is cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space 40 such that the shelf 50 is disposed in the interior space 40.

At least one frame member has a hole that is cooperatively dimensioned with pin 70. Preferably, the frame member is disposed below the single frame assembly. The frame member is disposed above or in the middle of the single frame assembly. The hole removably receives the pin 70. With compatibility in the manner described above, the shelf 50 is connected to the frame member. As a result, the shelf 50 provides structural integrity to the single frame assembly and the single frame assembly is secured by the connection of the shelf 50 and the frame member.

Another preferred embodiment generally includes a frame for an external cooking device (not shown) having an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly. Shelf 50 is used in the lower frame assembly in a manner consistent with that described above. Thus, shelf 50 is connected with the subassembly to provide structural integrity to the subassembly.

Instead of accommodating the cooking chamber, the frame is adapted for accommodating a cooking device, for example an auxiliary burner such as an external stove-top burner or a deep fryer. The frame is adapted to be mobile so that the frame and the cooking device are moved between the various zones to increase the versatility of the frame.

In another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the grill assembly 10 has a shelf 150. The shelf 150 has a pair of opposing first edges 154 and a pair of opposing second edges 156. Edges 154 and 156 form a perimeter P of shelf 150. Although shown in an approximately rectangular structure, shelf 150 is of various structures, including rectangular, oval, or other curved shapes.

Shelf 150 has at least one fixing member 152. The holding member 152 is a flexible structure that is adopted to deform or displace at a certain distance. Preferably, the fixing member 152 extends from the shelf 150 such that the gap is between the fixing member 152 and the second edge 156. The gap dimension varies depending on the structure of the fixing member 152. Although shown as having an angled structure, the fixing member 152 may have a curved structure. In another manner described, the securing member 152 is an elongated tab extending from the shelf 150.

Preferably, the shelf 150 is a wire rack formed of a plurality of welding rods. Shelf 150 includes a plurality of longitudinal rods 160 and a plurality of transverse rods 162. Although the transverse rod 162 is shown disposed below the longitudinal rod 160 as shown in FIG. 5, the orientation of the rods 160, 162 may vary depending on the design parameters of the shelf 150. The raised or angled portion 164 is disposed near the second edge 156. Optionally, the rise 164 is disposed near the first edge 154. Since the shelf 150 is formed of a plurality of welding rods, the shelf 150 is stronger and more rigid than conventional shelves having a thin wall structure. Although shown as having a plurality of holes or openings resulting from the intersection of the rods 162 and 164, the shelf 150 may have a solid structure without holes or openings.

Shelf 150 has at least one support member 166. The support member 166 is adapted to engage a portion of the cross member 28 when the shelf 150 is connected to the cross member 28. Preferably, the support member 166 is disposed near the junction of the first and second edges 154, 156. Optionally, the support member 166 is spaced at a distance from the junction of the first and second edges 154 and 156. Referring to FIG. 7, the support member 166 includes a first portion 166a, a second portion 166b, and a third portion 166c that form a recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the cross member 28. As shown in FIG. ). Although the support member 166 is shown to have an angled structure, the support member 166 may have a plurality of structures having a curved structure.

Although FIG. 5 shows four split fastening members 152 and four split support members 166, the exact number of these elements is modified by design parameters of the lower assembly 14 and the shelf 150. Therefore, the number of the fixing member 152 and the supporting member 166 can be increased or decreased.

Referring to FIG. 6, the H-shaped sub-assembly 30 of the lower frame assembly 14 is spaced apart to form a space 40. In the starting position P0 (not shown), the shelf 150 is generally located within the interior space 40 but does not engage a portion of the lower assembly 14. In the starting position P0, the lower assembly 14 lacks structural integrity because the H-shaped assembly 30 is not connected. In the starting position P0, the initial gap C0 is present between the first edge 154 of the shelf 150 and the fixing member 152.

The shelf 150 is adapted to move between the starting position P0, the first position P1, and the second position P2. When a sufficient amount of force is applied to the shelf 150 in the downward direction, the shelf 150 moves from the starting position P0 to the first position P1. In the first position P1 shown in FIG. 7, the shelf 150 is arranged in the interior space 40 and partially engages the lower assembly 14. Specifically, the fixing member 152 is in sliding engagement with a portion of the inner wall 170 of the cross member 28. In addition, support member 166 engages a portion of inner wall 170 and / or outer wall 174.

The fixing member 152 and the supporting member 166 continue to engage with the transverse member by applying downward force to the shelf 150. Accordingly, the fixing member 152 is an amount to which the fixing member 152 slides with the inner wall 170 and moves from the first edge 176 of the inner wall 170 toward the second edge 178 of the inner wall 170. Bend inwardly. As the fixing member 152 slides with the inner wall 170, a first gap C1 is present between the fixing member 152 and the shelf 150. Since the fixing member 152 is bent inward in a predetermined amount, the first gap C1 becomes smaller than the starting gap C0.

In the fixing member 152, the shelf 150 and the fixing member 152 move toward the second position P2 to continue sliding engagement with the inner wall 170. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the second position P2, the fixing member 152 locks into a portion of the bottom wall 180 of the transverse member 28. In addition, the support member 166 engages a portion of the outer wall 174, the top wall 172, and / or the inner wall 170 of the cross member 28. The second gap C2 is present between the shelf 150 and the fixing member 152 when the fixing member 152 is coupled to a portion of the bottom wall 180. Due to the flexibility of the fixing member 152 in the first position P1, the second gap C2 is larger than the first gap C1. In a preferred embodiment, the second gap C2 is equal to the starting gap C0.

Referring to FIG. 9, in the second position P2, the fixing member 152 is in a locking engagement with a portion of the bottom wall 180 of the transverse member 28, where the locking engagement is the shelf 150. To prevent upward movement. The support member 166 is engaged with a portion of the inner wall 170, the top wall 172 and / or the outer wall 174, where the coupling prevents downward movement of the shelf 150. In another manner described, a portion of the cross member 28 is received by a recess formed by the first, second and third portions 166a, 166b, 166c of the support member 166. As a result, the shelf 150 is locked in a stable position, as a result of which the lower assembly 14 has increased structural rigidity. In another manner described, the shelf 150 provides structural integrity to the lower assembly 14 when the fastening member 152 and the support member 166 are disposed in the second position P2. As a result, the lower assembly 14 has a sufficient amount of stability, allowing for alignment engagement of the upper assembly 12 with the lower assembly 14. In the structure of the grill assembly having a single frame having separate upper and lower assemblies in the second position P2, the fixing member 152 and the supporting member 166 are fixedly connected with the single frame of the grill assembly.

Optionally, the fixing member 152 is locked by a structure formed in a portion of the traverse member 28 in the second position P2. For example, the fixing member 152 is locked by a detent formed in a portion of the cross member 28.

Unlike the support member 166, the fixing member 152 is deformed between the initial, first and second positions P0, P1, P2. This fact means that the fixing member 152 is deformed or bent inwardly by sliding engagement with the inner wall 170 of the cross member 28. The amount of deformation or the degree of deformation varies depending on the structure and dimensions of the fixing member 152. Preferably, the fixing member 152 is deflected in the direction toward the initial position P0 or the second position P2.

Shelf 150 and its associated components are formed of plastic, steel, aluminum, or other metal, including metal alloys. The holding member 152 is formed of a metal because it has a good high strength and excellent deformation properties. Depending on the material used to form the fixing member 152, the plastic strain and deformation amount of the fixing member 152 are changed.

In another preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the grill assembly 10 includes a shelf 250. Shelf 250 has a pair of opposing first edges 254 and a pair of opposing second edges 256. Edges 254 and 256 form a perimeter P of shelf 250. Although shown in an approximately rectangular structure, shelf 250 is comprised of a variety of structures, including rectangular, elliptical, or other curved shapes.

Shelf 250 has at least one fixing member 252. The holding member 252 is a flexible structure that is adopted to deform or displace at a certain distance. Preferably, the fixing member 252 extends from the shelf 250 such that a gap is between the fixing member 252 and the second edge 256. Although shown as having an angled structure, the fixing member 252 may have a curved structure. In another manner described, the fixing member 252 is an extension tab extending from the shelf 250.

Preferably, shelf 250 is a wire rack formed of a plurality of welding rods. Shelf 250 includes a plurality of longitudinal rods 260 and a plurality of transverse rods 262. Although the lateral rods 262 are shown disposed below the longitudinal rods 260 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the orientation of the rods 260, 262 can be varied depending on the design parameters of the shelf 250. The raised or angular portion 264 is disposed near the second edge 256. Optionally, the rise 264 is disposed near the first edge 254. Since the shelf 250 is formed of a plurality of welding rods, the shelf 250 is stronger and more rigid than conventional shelves having a thin wall structure. Although shown as having a plurality of holes or openings resulting from the intersection of the rods 262 and 264, the shelf 250 may have a solid structure without holes or openings.

Shelf 250 has at least one support member 266 extending from first edge 254. The support member 266 is adapted to engage a portion of the cross member 28 when the shelf 250 is connected to the cross member 28. 10 and 11, the support member 266 includes a first portion 266a, a second portion 266b, and a third portion that form a recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the cross member 28. As shown in FIGS. 266c and the fourth portion 266d. Preferably, the recess has a dimension slightly larger than that of the traverse member 28. The support member 266 has an angular structure or a slide structure that easily engages with the lower member 28 without causing wear to the lower member 28. Although the support member 266 is shown as having an angled structure, the support member 266 may have a plurality of structures having a curved structure.

Shelf 250 has at least one finger 290 extending from first edge 254. Finger 290 has a generally vertical first portion 290a. Finger 290 is employed to engage a portion of cross member 28 when shelf 250 is connected to cross member 28. In particular, the finger 290 engages with a portion of the inner wall 170 of the traverse member 28.

10 and 11 show two split fastening members 252, two split support members 266 and two split fingers 290, the exact number of these elements is lower assembly 14 and shelf 250. Will be changed to the design parameter of. Accordingly, the number of the fixing member 252, the supporting member 266, and the fingers 290 may be increased or decreased.

In the starting position P0 (not shown), the shelf 250 is generally located within the interior space 40 but does not engage any portion of the lower assembly 14. In the starting position P0, the lower assembly 14 lacks structural integrity because the H-shaped assembly 30 is not connected. In the starting position P0, the initial gap C0 is present between the first edge 254 of the shelf 250 and the fixing member 252.

The shelf 250 is adapted to move between the starting position P0, the first position P1, and the second position P2. When a sufficient amount of force is applied to the shelf 250 in the downward direction, the shelf 250 moves from the starting position P0 to the first position P1. In the first position P1, the shelf 250 is arranged in the interior space 40 and partially engages with the lower assembly 14. Specifically, the fixing member 252 is in sliding engagement with a portion of the inner wall 170 of the cross member 28. In addition, the support member 266 slides with a portion of the inner wall 170 and / or the outer wall 174. In addition, the finger 290 is in sliding engagement with a portion of the inner wall 170 of the cross member (28).

The holding member 252, the supporting member 266, and the finger 290 continue to engage with the transverse member 28 as a downward force is applied to the shelf 150. Accordingly, the fixing member 152 is an amount to which the fixing member 152 slides with the inner wall 170 and moves from the first edge 176 of the inner wall 170 toward the second edge 178 of the inner wall 170. Bend inwardly. As the fixing member 252 slides with the inner wall 170, a first gap C1 is present between the fixing member 252 and the shelf 250. Since the fixing member 252 is bent inward in a predetermined amount, the first gap C1 becomes smaller than the starting gap C0.

In the fixing member 252, the shelf 250 and the fixing member 252 move toward the second position P2 to continue sliding engagement with the inner wall 170. In the second position P2, the fixing member 252 is in locking engagement with a portion of the bottom wall 180 of the transverse member 28. The support member 266 also engages a portion of the outer wall 174, the top wall 172, and / or the inner wall 170 of the cross member 28. In addition, the first portion 290a of the finger 290 engages with a portion of the inner wall 170. The second gap C2 is present between the shelf 250 and the fixing member 252 when the fixing member 252 is coupled to a portion of the bottom wall 180. Due to the flexibility of the fixing member 152 in the first position P1, the second gap C2 is larger than the first gap C1. In a preferred embodiment, the second gap C2 is equal to the starting gap C0.

In the second position P2, the fixing member 252 is in a locking engagement with a portion of the bottom wall 180 of the transverse member 28, where the locking engagement is to prevent upward movement of the shelf 250. . The support member 266 is in engagement with a portion of the inner wall 170, the top wall 172 and / or the outer wall 174, where the engagement prevents downward movement of the shelf 250. Finger 290 is engaged with a portion of inner wall 170, where the engagement prevents lateral movement between the structures of lower assembly 14. As a result, the shelf 250 is locked in a stable position, as a result of which the lower assembly 14 has increased structural rigidity. In another manner described, the shelf 250 provides structural integrity to the lower assembly 14 when the fastening member 252, the support member 266 and the finger 290 are disposed in the second position P2. . As a result, the lower assembly 14 has a sufficient amount of stability, allowing for alignment engagement of the upper assembly 12 with the lower assembly 14.

Shelf 250 and its associated components are formed of plastic, steel, aluminum, or other metal, including metal alloys.

The barbecue grill assembly 10 is assembled in a few steps. Shelf 50 is disposed in lower frame assembly 14 and connected to frame members 26 and 28 in the manner described above. Thus, the shelf 50 is connected and fixed with the lower assembly 12. The upper frame assembly 12 is then passed into engagement with the lower assembly 14. Next, the cooking chamber 16 and the correlation control unit are disposed in the upper assembly 12. Optionally, the cooking compartment 16 is connected to the upper assembly 12. The upper assembly 12 is then passed into engagement with the lower assembly 14. Means for securing the upper and lower assemblies 12 are applied to secure the grill assembly 10. The securing means has a threaded fastener and a nut, or a projection and a receiving portion.

Alternatively, the grill assembly 10 may have a single frame assembly without separate lower and upper assemblies 12, 14. In accordance with the above, the shelf 50 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the single frame assembly. Next, the cooking chamber 16 is connected and fixed to the top of the single frame assembly. Means for securing the single frame assembly are applied to secure the grille assembly 10. The securing means has a threaded fastener and a nut or a projection and a receiving portion.

Although the present invention has been described through specific embodiments, modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

1 is a front elevational view of a barbecue grill assembly with a shelf of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded elevation view of the barbecue grill assembly of FIG. 1 showing a shelf connected to the lower frame assembly. FIG.

3 is a partial elevation view of the first end of the shelf of FIG.

4 is a partial elevation view of a second end of the shelf of FIG.

5 is a perspective view of a second shelf embodiment;

6 is an exploded view of the shelf of FIG. 5, showing the shelf prior to engagement with a plurality of lower frame members.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 5 showing the shelf in a first position;

8 is a partial perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 5 showing the shelf in a second position;

9 is a partial perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 5 showing the shelf in a second position connected to the lower frame assembly;

10 is a perspective view of a third shelf embodiment;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the shelf of Figure 10;

Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

10 barbecue grill assembly 12 upper frame assembly 14 lower frame assembly

16: cooking room 50: shelf 70: pin

Claims (35)

An upper assembly 12 adapted to support the cooking chamber 16 and formed of a plurality of upper frame members 13; A lower assembly 14 having a shelf 50 and a plurality of lower frame members 26, 28, One or more frame members 26, 28 have holes 80, the shelf 50 has one or more pins 70 adjacent the edges 52, 54 of the shelf 50, the pins The 70 is removably received by the hole 80 and is cooperatively dimensioned with the hole 80 to connect the shelf 50 and the frame members 26, 28 to secure the lower assembly 14. Barbecue grill assembly. The method of claim 1, wherein the lower frame members 26 and 28 form an interior space 40 and the shelf 50 is cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space 40 to be disposed within the interior space 40. Barbecue grill assembly. 2. Barbecue grill assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shelf (50) is a wire rack. 2. Barbecue grill assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the hole (80) has an inner diameter that is adapted for frictional engagement with the pin (70). 2. Barbecue grill assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the holes (80) are deformable for frictional engagement with the pins (70). 2. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a metal barrel disposed in the hole (80), the metal barrel being adapted to receive a portion of the pin (70). delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete At least one frame member having a hole 80; And, With one or more pins 70 disposed adjacent the edges 52, 54 of the shelf 50, the pins 70 are removably received by the holes 80 to connect the shelf 50 and the frame member. Frame assembly for an external cooking device, characterized in that the pin (70) comprises a shelf (50) which is cooperatively dimensioned with the aperture (80). 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the frame member forms an interior space 40 and the shelf 50 is cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space 40 such that the shelf 50 is disposed within the interior space 40. Frame assembly. 18. Frame assembly according to claim 17, wherein the connection of the shelf (50) to the frame member secures the frame assembly. An upper assembly 12 formed of a plurality of upper frame members 13 and adapted to support the cooking chamber 16; And, Shelf 150 and a plurality of lower frame members (26, 28), the shelf 150 has one or more fixing members 152, the fixing member 152 has a fixing member 152 is a lower frame A first position for sliding engagement with a portion of the inner wall 170 of the members 26, 28 and a second position for locking member 152 for locking a portion of the bottom wall 180 of the lower frame members 26, 28. Barbecue grill assembly, characterized in that it comprises a lower assembly (14), moving between. The lower frame members 26 and 28 form an interior space 40 and the shelf 150 is cooperatively dimensioned with the interior space 40 to be disposed within the interior space 40. Barbecue grill assembly. 21. The barbecue grill assembly of claim 20, wherein the shelf (150) is a wire rack. 21. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 20, wherein the fixing member (152) is biased toward the second position. 21. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 20, wherein the shelf (150) provides structural integrity to the lower assembly (14) when the fixing member (152) is positioned in the second position. 21. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 20, wherein when the fixing member 152 is positioned in the second position, the lower assembly 14 has a sufficient amount of structural integrity to support the upper assembly 12. . 21. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 20, wherein the lower frame member (26, 28) comprises a plurality of lower vertical members (26) and at least one lower horizontal member (28). 27. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 26, wherein in the second position, the fixing member (152) engages with the bottom wall (180) of the lower horizontal member (28). 21. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 20, wherein the lower frame member (26, 28) comprises a plurality of lower vertical members (26) and at least one lower transverse member (28). 29. The barbecue grill assembly according to claim 28, wherein the fixing member (152) engages with the bottom wall (180) of the lower traverse member (28) in the second position. delete delete delete A frame assembly formed of a plurality of frame members forming the interior space 40, adapted to support the cooking chamber 16, and having one or more lower frame members 28; And, It is disposed in the interior space 40, and has one or more fixing member 252 and one or more fingers 290, the fixing member 252 is a fixing member 252 is the inner wall 170 of the lower frame member 28 The first position and the sliding member 252 is slidingly engaged with the portion of the bottom wall 180 of the lower frame member 28 and the finger 290 is slidingly engaged with a portion of the portion and the finger is engaged with a portion of the inner wall 170. A barbecue grill assembly comprising a shelf (250) moving between a second position engaging a portion of the inner wall (170). 34. The barbecue grill assembly of claim 33, wherein the securing member (252) is biased towards the second position. 34. The barbecue grill assembly of claim 33, wherein the fixing member (252) is an extension tab.